The tenants had working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that woke them from their sleep. It would have been a "different story" if they didn't have the alarms, Gardiner said.

No injuries were reported, but Gardiner explained several individuals were rescued from third story windows by additional firefighters while suppression efforts were underway.

“It’s a good operation," Gardiner said. "They don’t always go like that but this was a good one.”

Volunteers from the American Red Cross' Southern Tier chapter responded to the fire's location and assisted those displaced. The Red Cross will typically provide vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed.

Those affected will meet Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan, according to a release from the organization.